Ensilage-cutter.



G. M. MERWIN A' ENSILAGE CUTTER.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4. 1913.

Patented Nov. 20, 1917i 5 SHEETSSHEET I vwe'r.

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ENSILAGE CUTTER.

APPLICATION man JUNE 4, 1913.

. MERWIN.

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ENSILAGE CUTTER.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4. 1913. 1,246,976. Patented Nov. 20, 1917.

5 $HEET$SHEET 3- 3 m N G. M. MERW'IN.

ENSILAGE CUTTER.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4. I913.

Patented Nov. 20, 1917.

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e. M. MERWIN. ENSILAGE CUTTEIL APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4- I9l3.

Patented Nov. 20, 1917.

5 SHEETS-4S'HEET 5- which the GEORGE M. MERWIN,

VESTEB. COMPANY 0F BERWYN, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO INTERNATIONAL HAR- OFNEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

ENSILAGE-GUTTER.

Application filed June a, 1913. Serial No. 771,625. I

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORG M. Mnnwm, a citizen of the United States,residingat Berwyn, in the county of Cook and State of. Illinois, haveinventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Ensilage-Cutters, of

following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My invention relates to ensilage cutters.

It has for its object to feed, cut and deliver ensilage in an improvedmanner. further object of my invention is to increase the eiiiciency andcapacity of an ensilage cutter and at thesame time render such a machinemore safe in operation. I attain these objects by providing improvedfeedcutting and delivery mecha-msms cooperating to feed the fodderevenly to the machine, pack the same into a compact charge, cut thischarge in an improved manner, and deliver the cut material in an improved manner to the desired point the entire mechanism being driventhrough improved means controlled in an improved manner andautomatically operable to reverse itself under predetermined emergencyconditions.

In order that my invention may be fully and clearly disclosed, I haveillustrated in the accompanying drawings one embodiment which the samemay assume in practice. It is to be understood, however, that the formshown herein for purposes of illustration may be modified withoutdeparting from the spirit of my invention.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the complete ensilage cutter.

Fig. 2 is atop plan view of a portion of the machine.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view on line 44 of Fig. 2.

Fi 5 is a transverse sectional View substantially on line 5-5 of Fig. 2.V

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the floating feeder and controlling andconveyer mechanlsm.

ing,

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 20, 191?.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the same mechanism from the opposite sideof the machine.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on line 8-8 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view slightly enlarged on line 99 of 1.

Figs. 10 and 11 are detail views showing one of the knives in aplurality of positions.

Figs. 12 and 13 are sectional views on lines 1212 and 13-+13respectively of Fig. 9. I

Fig. 14 is a sectional view on line i k-14: of Fig. 9.

In the construction illustrated, I have shown an ensilage cutter carriedon a horizontally disposed wheeled frame and provided with a fodderchute communicating witha longitudinally disposed feeding apron orconveyer which automatically feeds e fodder through a feeding box ortrough to cooperating feeding mechanism, which in turn automaticallyfeeds the ensilage in the desired quantity to a series of knives carriedon a rotatable cutter head journaled on the frame; the ensilage afterbeing out being carried upward by a fan through an opening in a suitablecasing for delivery to the silo. Coiiperating with these mechanisms isalso an improved controlling mechanism whereby the driving mechanism forthe machine may be reversed manually when desired and f is reversedautomatically under predetermined emergency conditions.

The frame shown is substantially Y shaped, comprising a plurality ofrigid horizontal members 1 formed of channe material rigidly attachedone to the other in parallel relation at their rear ends anddivergingintermediate their ends so that they form an enlargedsubstantially oblong base for the driving, cutting and feeding mechanismat the front of the machine (Fig. 2); These frame members are connectedat their front ends by a rigid transversely extending frame member 2 andcooperate with a pair of supplementary transversely extending spacedframemembers 3 and 4 to form a rigid frame and base for the ensilagecutter mechan sm. e rame th s formed s ried uponrigid vertical standards5 and 6 at its opposite ends, which in turn are supported upon wheels 7so that it may be readily moved from place to place, braces 8 beingprovided between the axle members and points intermediate the ends ofthe main frame in order to reinforce the standards 5 and 6.

.shown in Figs. 9 and 14, thiscutter head is of disk shape and providedwith a heavy rim 14 in order to give it a high fly wheel efi'ect whenrotated by the power pulley 12. On the inner face of this cutter head aplurality of vertically disposed curved cutters or knives 15 arecarried.

These knives, as shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11, extend from pointsadjacent the hub of the cutter head to points adjacent the periphery ofthe same and are provided with wide tapered blades 16 of suchconformation that the cutting edge between the ends thereof is of asubstantially greater length than a straight line drawn between theseends; this cutting edge extending upward at an angle from the outer endof the knife, near the periphery of the cutter head, to a pointsubstantially in the middle of the knife, where it is curved downward inthe shape of an arc; the inner end of the blade terminating adjacent thehub of the cutter head. As shown in Figs. 9 to 13, each of theseknivesis carried on a raised shoulder 17 on the cutter head whichconforms substantially to the shape of the blade and is securelypositioned against backward movement by a plurality of spaced lugs 18,likewise formed on the cutter head, in addition to being bolted to thecutter head by a plurality of bolts 19. Further, as shown in Fig. 13, inorder that their cutting edges may be adjusted laterally within certainlimits with respect to thecutter head, adjusting bolts 20 are providedhaving lock nuts 21 carried on the ends thereof in suitablecorrespondingly shaped recesses in the cutter head and between thelatter and the knife body 15; this construction being used so that incases of stripped threads it is only necessary to replace a nut or bolt.As clearly illustrated in Figs. 9, 10 and 11. the -utter headis also cutaway adjacent each blade to form a plurality of irregular shaped Lea ersopenings 22 therein conforming substantially to the shape of the cutterblades through the length of the latter, and at the outer end of thesame extending downward and then slightly angularly toward the powershaft in such a manner as to form a substantially oblong opening in thecutter head through which the fodder ends may pass to be acted upon bythe knives.

In the construction illustrated, I have shown the cutter head to beequipped with three knives 15 and three fodder openings 22; the knivessuccessively cooperating with a single horizontally disposed,transversely extending reversible cutter bar 23 having cutting faces oneach side of the same, which is. carried upon a transversely disposedsupport 24, longitudinally flanged at 25 and bolted to the transverseframe member 3 by bolts 26. In a preferred form this cutter bar is of alength slightly greater than the distance between the inner and outerends of the cutter blades and is rigidly attached to the support 24insuch a manner as to form a substantial cutting base by means of aplurality of vertically extending countersunk screws 27 and countersunkbolts 28, the nuts 29 of which are received in recesses 30, formed inthe lower part of the member 24 and extending into the flange 25thereon, in such a manner that while the nuts 29 may be readily adjustedto tighten the cutter bar, the latter cannot by any chance swing intothe path of the knives, the bolts 28 not being removable except bymanual manipulation from the top of the cutter bar, as the distancebetween the lower ends of the bolts and the bottom surfaces of therecesses 30 is not suflicient to permit the nuts to be separated fromthe bolt.

This cutter head is rotated upon rotation of the power pulley 12 in sucha manner that the knives successively pass the vertical face of thecutter bar 23 and sever the stalks fed thereto with a shear outthroughout their entire length. At the beginning of the cuttingoperation each of these knives first occupies the position shown in Fig.10, the curved heel of the knife automatically preventing lateraldisplacement of the stalks and cooperating with the slanting surface ofthe knife in holding them securely in position upon the cutter bar asthe outer end of the blade moves downward to the position shown in Fig.11. As the knife moves downward from this position, both ends of eachblade simultaneously pass the cutter bar and, due to the more rapidmovement of the outer end of the blade, a pronounced inward shear isobtained. As each knife continues its downward movement. this shearingcutting action continues. tho curved portion or heel of the blade movingoutward as it moves down Ward to position the material and the maximumcutting action being exerted near the power shaft by this heel or curvedportion which, due to its shape, not only automatically positions thematerial to ,be cut by the slanting edge of the knife, but also acts toposition the material which it cuts itself in such a manner that evenwhen the'knife is dull, the fodder is accurately positioned and no cornis shelled off the cob. Cooperating with these knives is an improvedautomatic force feeding mechanism which acts to supply the fodder to theknives evenly and without clogging the throat of the machine, thusinsuring even running of the machine at maximum capacity. Thismechanism, after each cutting operation, automatically packs material tobe out against the face of the cutter head between the openings 22 sothat after each knife acts, the fodder is so positioned that the nextknife will sever it; a bunch of fodder of the exact cross section of theopening being forced the desired distance through the latter and underthe knife by the feeding mechanism as soon as each opening comesopposite the ends of the fodder.

This'feeding mechanism is disposed longitudinally of the frame andcomprises a flexible feeding apron 31 and cooperating feeding rolls 32,33 and 34, all rotating at the same surface speed as said apron. Asshown in. Figs. 7 and 8, the rolls 32 and 33 are carried one above theother on horizontally disposed, transversely extending shafts 35 and 36.supported in a plurality of longitudinally extending supplemental framemembers 37 carried on the main frame on opposite ends of the cutter bar23. Of these rolls, the lower roll 32 is provided with a plurality oflongitudinally extending series of spaced truncated teeth, while theperiphery of the upper roll 33 is provided with a plurality oflongitudinally extending strips adapted to coiiperate with these teeth,the projecting members on each roll biting into the fodder suppliedbetween the same and feeding the same forward without slipping. As shownin Fig. 8, the roll 33 is freely movable upward in slots 38 in thesupplemental frame 37 in order to accommodate it to operateunderdifferent conditions, and, as illustrated in Figs. 3, 6 and 7 isconnected at its ends through a pair of pivoted links 39 with thefloating feeder roll 34.

This roll 34 is larger than the rolls 32 and 33 and supported by a pairof parallel longitudinally disposed supports 39' attached at their endsto vertical standards 40 fixed on the supplemental frame members 37 andbraced by additional longitudinal supports 41 and bolts 42. As shown inFig. 3, this roll 34 is substantially polygonal in cross section andprovided on its flat faces is adapted to rise when material is fedunder. a

the same, the shaft 45 upon which this roll is carried being movablefrom position upon the support 39' up the inclined surface of a pair ofspaced guiding members 46 carried between the standards 40. It is to benoted that this roll 34 by reason of its weight and position, exerts apowerful downward pressure upon any material beneath the same, tendingto compress the same at the same time that it is fed forward'and also tosecurely position the outer ends of the stalks as their inner ends arebeing operated upon by the knives. Attention is further directed to thefact that when bunched material is fed under the rolls, the roll 34 is-Figs. 1, 3, 6 and 7 this conveyer 31 is flexible and formed of aplurality of parallel, transversely disposed slats of L shaped crosssection adapted to feed. the fodder forward positively, rotated bysprockets 49 and 50 journaled in the opposite ends of the main frame. Asshown,'the sprocket 50 is carried on a shaft 51 located on the underside of the frame, intermediate the rolls 33 and 34, while the sprocket49 is carried on the extreme rear end of the frame and is rotatable witha shaft 52 longitudinally adjustable in a slot 53 formed in asupplemental frame 54 in such a manner that the length of the conveyermay be adjusted as desired.

The rotation of the shaft 9 is conveyed to all of the parts of thisfeeding mechanism through one of a plurality of speed changing gears 55and 56 of different sizes carried on a sleeve 57, adjustably mounted onthe shaft 9 intermediate its ends and be tween the frame members 3 and4; the speed of the feeding mechanism, and therefore the length of cut,being regulated by an adjustment of these gears on the shaft 9. Asshown, these gears are adapted to cooperate with a pluralitv of stepped,gears 58 and 59 carried on a longitudinally disposed stub carried onchains 48 which are shaft 60 journaled in bearings 61 and 62 carried onthe frame members. Fixed to this shaft 60 at a point adjacent the innergear 59, is a small beveled gear 63 meshing with a larger beveled gear6t disposed parallel to the 'shaft 60 and carried on a shorttransversely extending stub shaft 64 journaled in bearings 66 and 67 onthe main frame and a longitudinally disposed supplemental frame member68 respectively. Upon this shaft a sleeve 69 is attached by anyremovable attaching means 70, the sleeve being longitudinally adjustablealong the shaft and carrying a plurality of sprockets 71 and 72 ofdifferent diameters, each of which is adapted to drive through a chain73, one .or

the other of a corresponding pair of sprocle ets 74: and 75 of differentdiameter carried on the shaft 35 on which the lower feed roll 32 ismounted. It is here to be noted that by the provision of the two pairsof sprockets of different sizes and the adjustable gez'trs SS-and 50, 1am able to obtain a total of eight lengths of cut, by simply adjustingthe sleeve 69 until the desired sprockets register and adjusting thesleeve 57. In a preferred form, a sleeve 76 is carried upon the shaft 35and integral with this sleeve a bracket 77 is formed to carry a chaintightener 78 for the chain 73, while the two sprockets 74 and 75 arepreferably formed integral with a second sleeve 79 also carried on thisshaft, adjacent the sleeve 76. The movement of the shaft 35 istransmitted from this shaft through a gear 80 preferably formed integralwith this sleeve and mounted between the sprockets 75 and a suitablebracket 81 formed on the outside frame member 1. Journaled in thisbracket 81 is one end of the shaft 36 on which the upper feed roll 33 iscarried; thisshaft being provided adjacent its end with a wabble gear 82meshing with the gear 80, and in termediate its ends with an extensibletelescoping portion 83 to enable the roll 33 to rise freely in the slots38, and a universal joint connection 84 to permit the roll to moveindependently of the gear 82 when desired. Upon the opposite end of thesame shaft 36 a small sprocket 85 is provided upon which is carried achain 86 connected with a larger sprocket 87 carried on the end of thefloating feeder shaft 4:5; this chain being held at the desired tensionby means of an idler sprocket 88 journaled on a stub shaft 89 which isfixed to a bracket 90 on one of the links 39. Obviously, since thefloating feeder roll 43 is thus operatively connected to the rolls32'and 33, the speed of rotation of the same will be simultaneouslyadjusted at the same time that the speed of rotation of the other rollsis adjusted, namely, by shifting the speed con nections on the-gears 55,56, 58 and 59 and sprockets 71, 72, 74 and 75, the floating feeder rollthrough its gearing connection always rotating at the same speed as therolls 32 and 33. The feeding apron or conveyer 31 which feeds thematerial to these rolls is likewise driven from the same powerconnection and controlled by the same s eed adjusting mechanism, a gear91 being Xed to the shaft 35 at a point between the frame 37 and one ofthe main frame members 1 and connected through a gear 92, journaled on ashaft 93 in a depending bracket 94, to the sprocket 50 through a Smallergear 94.

Cooperating with the cutting and feeding mechanisms already described,is an improved controlling mechanism. lhis mechanism comprises anadjustable clutch sleeve 95 splined at 96 to the stub shaft 60; thesleeve being provided with a ratchet face 97 on one end adapted tocooperate witha corresponding clutch member 98 preferably formedintegral with the beveled gear 63.

while on its opposite end it is provided with av frictional drivingmember 99 adapted to cooperate with a cone shaped driven member 100preferably formed integral With a beveled gear 101 corresponding to thegear 63 and adapted to cooperate with the beveled gear 64 to reverse themechanism when the clutch member 95 is moved from the position shown inFig. 2, so that its friction clutch is in engagement and the positiveclutch on the opposite end of the same is disengaged. The means forreciprocating this clutch is shown to comprise a movable clutchactuating member 102 receivable in an annular groove 103 on the clutchmember and adj ustably attached at 104 to a longitudinally disposed hook105 movable through an opening in the frame member 1 and having aplurality of notches 106 upon its upper surface, one of which isnormally engaged by the hooked end 107 of a vertically extending pin 108normally held in depressed position by a spring 109 and guided in itsmovement by a bracket 110 attached to the under side of the main frame.Cooperating with this member 105 and extending through the eyelet in theend of the same is a U shaped bail 111 pivoted at 112 and 113 uponsuitable supports 114C and 115 carried bv the main frame. As shown, thisU shaped bail extends transversely across the eonveyer 31 and above thesame in such a manner that it is readily operable from either side ofthe machine.

It is to be noted that through the connection of this bail to the clutchmechanism, the feeding mechanism may be either connected positively tothe driving mechanism through the clutch members 97 and 98, or connectedto the latter through a sliding or frictional connection by means of thefriction clutch members 99 and 100, the positive driving connectiondriving the feeding mechanism in one direction, while the frictionalclutch connection drives the mechanism in the reverse direction. It isfurther to be noted that due to the provision of the resilient means forholding the bail in position, the latter is automatically maintained inany one of the three positions when adjusted thereto, namely, theforward, neutral and reverse, the neutral position being that in whichthe clutch member% is out of enagement with both of the clutch members98 and 100. Obviously, when the operator desires to start the mechanism,this may be readily accomplished by throwing the bail to the positionshown in Fig. 2, wherein the mechanism. is positively connected to thepower shaft 9. Should, however, a foreign substance be dicovered on theconveyer which is of such a character as to cause damage to the knives,by throwing the bail to the extreme dotted position shown in Fig. 3, themechanism will be immediately reversec the positive clutch connectionbein thrown out and the frictional connection being thrown in so thatinjury to the knives will be avoided.

In order that an operator having the mechanism running in the reversedirection will not throw the same immediaaay into engagement with thepositive driv' j member without giving the inechanisr' tune to slowdown, I have provided a lon ,itudinally extending catch 116 pivoted at11? upon the upper end of one of the standards i0 and normally held inits down position. with a stop 118 thereon abutting against standard bymeans of a spring 119. shown in Fig. 3, when the bail is in the reversepo sition, namely, the extreme dotted position shown in that figure, andis moved toward the forward position {shown in full lines), this catch116 will engage over the upper end of the bail and lock the same at themoment when the mechanism reaches neutral position. This lockingmechanism thus serves to stop the feeding mechanism and avoids thedanger the gears arising from the jars incident to throwing the clutchfrom friction reverse to positive.

A further feature of this controlling mechanism is that it fulfils thefunction of a safetydevicel for the operator. This is due to the factthat even should an attendant, as for instance, in reaching for anobject fed under the roll, unconsciously subject himself to the risk ofhaving his hand or arm carried under the cutter bar, he will, by hisforward movement, be obliged to strike the bail 111 with his shoulder,throwing the same automatically from the full line position shown inFig. 3, to the reverse position shown therein before his hand can becaught between the feed rolls or drawn into the knives; this actionautomatically reversing the power connections and immediately reversingthe forward feeding action of the feeding mechanism and ejecting allobjects in the machine throat. It is further to be noted in thisconnection that in the transition from the full forward feeding positionunder such conditions to the reverse position, the clutch mechanism isthrown out of engagement with the positive clutch member 98; and intoengagement with the frictional clutch member 100, so that this reversalmay occur under emergency conditions at any time without injury to thedriving mechanism.

In order that the fodder may be guided in its movement to the feedingmechanism and supplied thereto from wagons, as in the usual farmprocedure of cutting the ensilage when the fodder is brought directlyfrom the field, I provide a chute or trough 120 having curvedlongitudinally disposed rims 12]. adapted to fit over and en gage theupper edges of diverging side boards 122 carried on the main frame atopposite sides of the upper surface of the conveyer 31. Further, Iprovide a pair of extensible props 123 pivotally connected at 124 to theouter end of this chute and adjustable in a plurality of positions tovary the height of the outer end of the same. Further, in order toautomatically guide the stalks into the feeding mechanism, 1 preferablyprovide a pair of curved inwardly extending wings 125 attached to theinner ends of the side boards 122 and converging toward the standards 10to which they are attached, and at the opposite end of the trough 120 Iprovide a curved shield 126 extending down over the lower edge of thetrough as shown to prevent the stalks catching as they are thrown intothe chute from the wagon. Obviously, when the feddcr is thrown into thetrough, it will slide down through the same and be carried by theconveyor 31 to the feeding rolls, which will in turn feed it to thecutting mechanism.

Cooperating with the cutting mechanism and acting to talte the choppedensilage away from the knives, is an improved fan mechanism. T hisfan-mechanism is carried upon the opposite side of the blades from theknives and comprises a plurality of radially extending vanes 12'? formedof angle material and bolted at 128 at points intermediate their cnds tothe cutter head between the openings 22 therein. As shown, these vanes127 are provided with lateral extensions 129 received in openings in theends of lugs 130 formed on the outer surface of the cutter head andadapted to position the fan blades securely thereon. Further, in orderto additionally secure the blades and at the same time give additionaldraft and keep the fan casing 131 clear of ensilage, the ends of theblades are projected over a tire 132 shrunk on the cutter head untilthey extend into immediate proximity with the inner periphery of thecasing.

As shown in Figs. 5, 9, 10 and 11, this casing 131 is of the usualcylindrical cross section and provided with a vertically disposed chute133 leading off therefrom at a point on the opposite side of the framefrom the feeding mechanism, as well as the usual draft opening 134, at apoint adjacent the side bearing on the shaft 9. Obviously, in order toprevent foreign objects from being drawn into the fan and topreventinjury to the operator, suitable protecting grids 135 are providedacross the face of this opening. Further, in order to permit immediateaccess to the fan, a removable cover 136 is pivotally connected to thiscasing at 137, cam locking means 138 of any suitable type being providedto hold the same in the closed position, and a supporting bracket 139being provided to support the cover and prevent too great movement ofthe same as it is thrown back about its pivot.

In order that the operation of the several cooperating mechanisms may beclearly understood, I will now describe the operation of the completemachine. When fodder is thrown down into the chute 120, it is fedforward by the conveyer 31 and deflected inwardly by the wings 125 onthe side boards 122 into the path of the floating feeder roll 43, bywhich it is compressed and pressed downward so that upon the continuedforward movement of the conveyer, the stalks are disposed in parallelrelation as they are fed to the two feed rolls 32 and 33 in the form ofa compact bundle of a predetermined size. In case a large number ofstalks is fed into the chute 120, the floating feed roll 43 willobviously strike against these stalks and be raised thereby to one ofthe elevated positions shown in Fig. 7 to the middle dotted lineposition shown in Fig. 7, wherein the rolls 32 and 33 are separated totheir maximum and a charge is delivered to "the knives which willcompletely fill the openings 22. Obviously, the rolls 32 and 33 as theyfeed the fodder forward, will cause the ends of the same to be packedagainst the portion of the cutter head between the knife edges, theforward feeding action of the same continuing as the cutter head rotatesand resulting in the formation of a closely packed bundle of stalkswhich, upon rotation of the cutter head, registers with one of theopenings 22 and is projected through that opening to give any one of theeight desired lengths of cut at which the machine will operate, thisregulation of the length of out being obtained by the adjustment of themulti-speed power connections for the feeding mechanism. After thefeeding mechanism has forced the stalks through the opening 22, thecurved knife 15 forming the upper edge and one side of that open-1ng,1mmediately commences to cut the stalks, as shown in Fig. 10. As theknife moves downward from the position shown in this figure, itcommences to cut the stalks at the outer end with a shear cut, thestalks being positioned against lateral movement by the curved heel ofthe knife. This shear cut continues as the blade movesdownward from theposition shown in Fig. 11, the curved heel of the blade serving to holdthe material in position until after the heel has passed by the cutterbar and always insurmg a compressed accurately positioned charge whichmay be readily severed by the blade. Obviously, as soon as the bladecommences to pass the cutter bar, the feeding mechanism will againcommence to pack the butts of the stalks against the space between thatblade and the next blade so that by the time the next blade comesopposite the cutter bar, a second charge will be prepared. Further, whenthe fodder has been severed by the knives, it will be carried around bythe fan blades 126 and carried upward through the spout 133 by the draftdeveloped by that fan; this draft being of great strength due to thefact that to all intents and purposes a vacuum is formed in the casingby the sealing of the feed openings in the interim between each cuttingoperatlon, the openings in the cutter head belng directly in front ofthe knives. Should the operator desire to reverse the mechanism at anytime, as, for instance, when an obstruction is fed into the machine,thls may be readily accomplished bv adjustlng the bail 111. Further, bythe provision of the locking mechanism for the bail when it reachesneutral position, automatic means are provlded to prevent injury to thegears when an inexperienced or hasty operator attempts to throw themechanism from full reverse pos tlon to full positive position withoutgiving the parts time to slow down.

It 18 to be noted that in this construction the cutting, feeding anddelivering mechanism is carried upon a rigid frame which is well adaptedto stand up in service and withstand the vibration attendant upon theoperation of the machine. Further, it is to be observed that the feedingmechanism is entirely automatic in its action and adapted to maintain aconstant even feed to the cutting mechanism. Further, due to theimproved and simplified power connections therefor, the mechanism may bereadily and quickly adjusted, not only to obtain a wide range ofvariation in the length of cut. but also permit the continuous operationof the machine despite accidental breaking of certain of the gears. Thecutting mechanism also is adapted to cut the ensilage with a shear cleancut, and, due to the conformation of the blades, is so constructed thatits capacity is materially increased; the power developed being utilizedby the same in such y a manner as to enable the blades to out largequantities of fodder in a shorter time.

tention is further directed to the fact that due to the provision of theimproved and rugged fan mechanism cooperating with this cuttingmechanism, the cutter head and the fan casing, as described, a powerfulblower mechanism is provided which, with only three ranes on the cutterhead, is

adapted to deliver the ensilage at great heights, such as fifty feet andthe like, Withut showing any decrease in the velocity of discharge, orcausing choking through the ensilage falling back upon the knife.

While I have in this application specifically described one embodimentWhich my invention may assume in practice, it is to be understood thatthe form shown herein for purposes of illustration may be modifiedwithout departing from the spirit of my in- I vention.

' for a plurality of radially disposed unobstructed oval openingsthereimand a concave knife bolted to said head ad acent to each of saidopenings overlapping substantiall y one-half the periphery of saidopeningand coiiperating therewith to form a substantially oblong fodderopening.

In an ensilage cutter, a rotary cutter head, and a cutter knife securedthereto, the cutting edge of which comprises an outer elongated toeportion and an inner arcuate heel portion, said knife being so locatedon said head that a radius drawn from the center of said head to theouter end of said knife will intersect the same intermediate its ends.

3. In an ensilage cutter, a frame, a cutter head journaled thereon, acutter bar carried on said frame, and a concave knife carried on saidcutter head and cooperating with said bar, said knife having an outerelongated toe portion and an inner arcuate heel portion having its heelextending from a point immediately adjacent the axis of said head toapproximately the middle of the knife and its toe so disposed that assaid head is rotated its heel portion comes opposite said bar in advanceof its too and its toe and heel portion then cotiperate in successivelycutting the bulk of the charge with an inward shear out throughout thelength of the knife.

4-. In an ensilage cutter, a frame, a fan easing having a feed openingtherein, a rotary cutter head journaled on said frame rotatable withinsaid. casing and having substantially rectangular shaped openingstherein, a longitudii'ially concaved knife overlapping the top and sidewalls of each opening. a horizontally disposed cutter bar carried onsaid frame, and means for packing a charge against the imperforateportion of said head in the interval between said openings and forfeeding the same therethrongh.

5. In an ensilage cutter, a substantially disk-shaped cutter head havingfodder openings therein, knives clamped to one face of said head, lugsformed'on the opposite face of said head between said openings and saidknives, and radially disposed laterally extending fan blades carried onsaid opposite face and braced on said lugs.

G. In an ensilage cutter, a cutter head of substantially disk shapehaving aplurality of radially extending ribs, said head beingimpcrforate save for a plurality of radially extending openings thereinadjacent one side of said ribs, and a plurality of concave knivesrigidly attached to said ribs and having their edges overlapping certainof the edges of said openings and cotiperating therewith to formsubstantially oblong openings.

7. In an ensilagc cutter, a cutter head of substantially disk shapehaving a plurality of radially extending ribs, said head beingimperforate save for a plurality of openings disposed adjacent one sideof said ribs and having laterally projecting lugs disposed around theedge of said ribs, and a plurality of concave knives rigidly attached tosaid ribs with their backs abutting against said lugs and their cuttingedges overla ing said openings and cooperating therewith to formsubstantially oblong fodder openings.

8. In a feeding mechanism of the char-.,

acter described, the combination With feed ing devices, a chute leadingto said feeding devices and arranged to have the operator stationed oneither side thereof, and controlling mechanism for said feeding devices,of an arched actuating lever having its end portions pivotally mountedon the respective sides of said chute and having its curved portionelevated above said chute and between said feeding devices and theoperators stations, and an operative c011- ncction between saidactuating lever and said controlling mechanism.

9. In a feeding mechanism of the character described, the combinationwith upper and lower feeding rolls, a chute leading thereto and arrangedto have the operator stationed on either side thereof, a floatingfeeding roll disposed above said chute pivoted on and driven from saidupper roll, and reversible mechanism for said feeding devices, of anarched actuating lever having its end portions pivotally mounted on therespective sides oflsaid chute and its curved are

